Swinging Door
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Message from the Business
Established in 1973 by Steve and Ward Onstad. The restaurant had seating for 12 and Bar-B-Q on weekends. The "original" burns to the ground in 1974...
1974 -- The "New Original" was rebuild, bigger, better, seating expands to 75 or so. In 1979, we entered the Bar-B-Q cook-off at The Houston Live Stock and Rodeo Show. We Won!! The rest is history. People started coming to us from all over the whole wide world to taste our wonderful Texas Bar-B-Q. Now people ask us to ship our great-tasting BBQ all over. And you know what, we ship it to them! The Swinging Door is a family owned restaurant serving the finest quality 100%, pecan smoked Bar-B-Q at reasonable prices in a pleasant, rural, family atmosphere.
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Customer Reviews (48 reviews)
VonHall1
on Citysearch Jul 29, 2008Well, I've grown up in Houston and now live in Katy, Texas. We eat at the Swinging Door atleast once a month. The "Q" is good but my favorite on the menu are the RIBS. Here's a little secret you all should know if you're... (more)
digzy
on Citysearch Jun 13, 2008I have been there three times and I am dissappointed everytime.Owner is rude,plates are dirty,menus stained.The wait staff is friendly though and it it is not their fault the food comes out of kitchen slow.Chicken... (more)
vanamm
on Citysearch May 31, 2008Years ago this place was be pretty good, not as good as Bakers Ribs or Shepherd Drive B-B-Q in Houston, but fairly good. Now the brisket is tough and stringy, the service is slow and it's a lot more expensive than better... (more)
mtwa
on Citysearch May 30, 2008I am a Q connoisseur. I know that is sort of an oxymoron, but don't get me wrong. I don't like it fancy 'cause that is not what good BBQ is all about. I have been smoking whole animals for years, toured the country... (more)
days_crazed
on Citysearch May 07, 2008I can't believe people think this could be anything even close to the best BBQ. The sausage seems nothing greater than some Eckridge sausage thrown on the grill. I would rather go home and make some Chapel Hill... (more)
txbbqman
on Citysearch Jan 25, 2008The Swinging Door serves very good smoked meats out of Richmond. The smokey brisket was moist and very tender, it was well above average and the best meat that I was served. The sausage was pretty good, nothing... (more)
Contributor
on Citysearch Jul 01, 2007<b>The Scene</b><br>Smart city slickers steer to Richmond to escape the grind and chew on some of the best 'cue in the county. Creaky, country and family-friendly, the Door is the quintessential Texas barbecue... (more)
lovesbbq
on Citysearch Jun 09, 2007THE GREAT BBQ IS WORTH THE DRIVE. I WORKED THERE FOR 3 AND HALF YEARS, ATE IT EVERYDAY, AND I STILL LOVE IT!!!!! (more)
mherrold
on Citysearch May 31, 2007This is what a BBQ reataurant should look like and the food is as good as any other BBQ in Houston. I wish they had more sides, but you really don't go to a BBQ restaurant to eat the sides. The meat on the ribs fall off the... (more)
thebestcritic
on Citysearch May 24, 2007I've been eating at The Swinging Door for 25 years, and it's good, really good, but certainly not the best around. The prices have gotten out of line over the years. Average prices are 25-30% higher than average.... (more)
joeandamy
on Citysearch May 09, 2007The food was great especially the ribs. The atmosphere was unique with Willie Nelson singing Georgia. What the south is all about. (more)
mbetzkin
on Citysearch Mar 23, 2006I eat there all the time and the service is great. And yes, the wait staff is incredibly hot. I love all the food there. I usually dont eat potatoe salad but i love theirs. Prices are pretty cheap considering all the food... (more)
quiicksilver
on Citysearch Mar 17, 2006WOW! all i can say is THE BEST BBQ EVER! The all you can eat buffet is well worth the money because dessert is included. The waitresses are gorgeous and always seem to have a beautiful smile for you as soon as you enter the... (more)
Citysearch User
on Citysearch Nov 23, 2005We just discovered this quaint little BQ restaurant last month. It is probably the best BBQ I have had since moving to Texas. To start you get a basket of sliced white bread, pickles and BBQ sauce. For some that may sound... (more)
Citysearch User
on Citysearch Sep 09, 2005A very good Bar B Q place with lots of atmosphere. It is very inviting and clean restaurant. The food is very good and fast. The service is good and you don't have to wait too long. Come hungry.... (more)
Citysearch User
on Citysearch Sep 02, 2005This restaurant is highly praised as the place to go for BBQ. We decided to give them a try one night and did not see the attraction. The food was not bad-we had BBQ chicken/potato salad and a plate with 3 meat... (more)
Citysearch User
on Citysearch Aug 08, 2005This is a great BBQ atmosphere and the service is good. They have a great Turkey sandwich and the prices are very reasonable. It is worth the drive to the country! (more)
bkberk
on Citysearch Jul 24, 2005Recently moved out of Texas. Boy, do I miss the Swingin Door! Best BBQ around! Sure which I could get it in So. Cal! (more)
ninbud
on Citysearch Mar 13, 2005Have been here a couple of times and while the food is always great the service can be lacking. Waitstaff seems to have no clue and the next time around they are on top of everything. Order up and enjoy the q.... (more)
beney
on Citysearch Jan 27, 2005Went there to listen to a nice concert on Friday night. Band was good as well as the food. Recommended. (more)
txgirl27
on Citysearch Jan 10, 2005The Swinging Door is great!! They don't need to change a thing, except maybe fewer pot holes. Everything there is delicious! (more)
dyxiegirl
on Citysearch Jul 03, 2004We are lucky to only live a short distance from the Swinging Door. That way we can eat there at least once a week! The ribs are incredible. Meaty and tender. The turkey is my son's favorite, and their garlic Czech sausage... (more)
slb5547
on Citysearch Jan 18, 2004Great atmosphere and decor, but the brisket was dried out. I would rather eat brisket with no sauce but I had to dump a ton of sauce to make it good. I paid 13 dollars for my meal which is too much for a BBQ joint. Not anywhere... (more)
dhaufrect
on Citysearch Dec 23, 2003The Swinging Door has the very best Bar B Q available in the Houston area. No if's, and's or but's about it. It has always been woth the short and scenic drive. (more)
wasabi
on Citysearch Aug 07, 2003The ribs are excellent! We tried the famous Dreamland in Alabama and they were laughable compared to Swinging Door. Baked Potato is great, too. And the potato salad alone is worth the trip. One HUGE complaint - we... (more)
srh
on Citysearch Jun 04, 2003to those of you who have had bad service, all i can say to you is do you talk to a manager, or address this problem in anyway before you left, so that the situation could be taken care of. I have always had great service, but... (more)
terrell
on Citysearch Jun 03, 2003This is the best bbq I've found in Texas. I love the lean sliced beef they serve. The sauce is unbelievable and the service is great. I usually drive 13 miles, twice a week to have lunch. The service is quick and I can be... (more)
reaper0221
on Citysearch May 26, 2003I originally came from Chicago and in the past 5+ years I have been all over the south trying barbeque and the Swinging Door is the best barbeque by far. If you are looking for a huge menu selection this may not be the... (more)
jasmine3714
on Citysearch May 14, 2003I've been going to The Swinging Door since I was a kid, and it is still the best. Great country atmosphere, food, service, and great promptness on food. I don't think I could go anywhere else.... (more)
Duffy_Dog
on Citysearch Apr 30, 2003Condescending service:Too good for the customer. They should show appreciation for the buyer. (more)
kreiter
on Citysearch Jan 30, 2003Swinging Door BBQ is the very best BBQ in the Houston area.Goode and Co. doesn't even come close. (more)
rosedgirl
on Citysearch Jan 28, 2003Yes, I agree the food is great. But, the service is HORRIBLE. They act like you are totally bothering them - like, what are you you doing here!! If you order take-out, make sure you check it before you leave. You may ask... (more)
rsuki
on Citysearch Jan 08, 2003The meats are very tender and the flavor is out of this world. (more)
kymstorey
on Citysearch Jan 08, 2003This is THE best barbeque I've ever tasted. The menu is short and sweet but everything is delicious. Another good sign was that they are always busy. The next time I visit my children in Houston, we'll be back!... (more)
Carolee2000
on Citysearch Jan 02, 2003We have eaten at the Swinging Door on numerous occasions. The food has always been good. It is in a quaint setting and well worth the drive. (more)
texasbabe698
on Citysearch Nov 10, 2002ok her i go.. swinging door is so cool and the food is great. i recomend the turkey. its juicy and yes cooked very good. (more)
SteveGardner
on Citysearch Nov 09, 2002The Swinging Door is one of those places that is not on our 'normal' paths. We enjoy taking a short drive through the countryside, then stopping for lunch at an authentic barbeque/dance hall. The atmosphere is the... (more)
rockn4dranch
on Citysearch Sep 01, 2002The Swinging Doors barbecue and real country atmosphere is the best barbecue resturant I have ever been.Steve Onstead takes great pride in preparing the food daily.From the barbecue,to the beans, potatoe salad... (more)
caldmac
on Citysearch Aug 31, 2002A rambling "country" looking place full of friendly folks and really excellent barbeque. The dance hall in the rear is open weekends with country western or big band swing. This place is a landmark. If you haven't... (more)
Luvrofrangers
on Citysearch Aug 31, 2002The Swinging Door's choice of meet are to die for. Their sausage is tender and not dried out, and has a good flavor. Their Turkey and Chicken, both moist and delicious. Their Ribs, Brisket, and Chop are both very tender... (more)
razortex
on Citysearch Aug 30, 2002Just because a lot of you don't get out to Richmond, and maybe can't find this place if you do, doesn't mean it isn't the best dang BBQ south of the North pole! They have the Best Turkey, Chicken, and Ribs on the planet.... (more)
ssallman
on Citysearch Aug 20, 2002It's a bit of a haul, but well worth the drive. Great brisket and sausage. The sauce absolutely caps everything off! (more)
clgilger
on Citysearch Aug 15, 2002The Swinging Door not only has the best meat (slow smoked) but also the very best sauce I have found. The sauce is so good that you receive a bowl of sauce with bread, pickles, onions, and jalapenos as an appetizer as soon... (more)
jen_mason
on Citysearch Aug 14, 2002They have the best ribs I have ever tasted. The service is wonderful. I love the atmosphere, very homey. It reminds me of my grandfathers house. The people there are great, especially the wait staff. All the... (more)
RECHT425
on Citysearch Aug 09, 2002Great BBQ. Unpretentious surroundings. Good C & W band and dancing on Saturday nights. (more)
shelly918
on Citysearch Jul 29, 2002The food is great although for what you pay you would expect more food. It's a great place to dine casually and good for families. Come early cause it gets full quickly. (more)
wildthing
on Citysearch May 25, 2002The best ribs I have eaten thus far in the Houston area. bbq sauce is good. sliced beef is good. chicken is good. the meats are smoked, not baked or steamed. beans are very good. potato salad is OK. cole slaw is... (more)